Benefit for bridge will include music, art

By Brittany Hogan

The Gudgeonville Bridge was a staple of the Erie area for generations. Whether it was for the alleged ghostly phenomeon that occured on its creaky wooden boards or the kids scaring each other with games of "chicken," many residents of the region were familiar with it on some level or other.

But that all came to an unneccessary end because of two arsonists on November 8, 2008. Built approximately in 1868, it was the oldest of three covered bridges that remain in the county.

Now thanks to the work of Ryan Bartosek and the Erie County Historical Society, the Gudgeonville Bridge may be rebuilt, albeit as a "scaled-down replica."

That is, if the volunteers come through in the end.

Bartosek is a lifelong resident of Girard, where the bridge was located. He spoke of being "personally devastated" by the arson of the popular landmark.

"I live only a few miles from where the bridge stood and spent alot of time there. We'd ride our bikes there in the summer or after school and later drive down there just to hang out. To me, it was one of the most beautiful places and a really nice place to sit and be with friends. Not only that, but this area has a lot of history, and to me the Gudgeonville Bridge was a major part of that. Slowly but surely we're running out of places to go where we can actually see and touch history and the Gudgeonville Bridge was one of these sites," he said.

He had the idea to host a benefit to fundraise for a new bridge. "Rock the Bridge!" should occur May 30 at the McKean-Edinboro VFW on Route 98.

"I've got nine musical acts on two stages.I feel I've got a stellat line-up of some of Erie's most talented musicians," he reported. And it's true, the roster reads like a who's-who of the local music scene. "Some of them students might recognize from this year's Big Wish Benefit: Shotgun Jubilee, Matty B and the Dirty Pickles, Letters to the Dead, Claire Stuczynksi, Eric Brewer and Friends, and others," said Bartosek of the list.

Also, thanks to the combined work of the Erie Art Museum, will be an art exhibit onhand dedicated to photography, painting, pottery, weaving and quilting.

And that's not it. There is something a little off-kilter planned, as well.

"Finally, we'll have a local paranormal studies group on hand. It's believed that the bridge itself was haunted and these folks have dedicated the last ten years studying it. They'll have some of their findings for people to check out. With them will be a local author who wrote a book about some of Erie's haunted places, including the Gudgeonville Bridge," Bartosek explained.

In addition to Bartosek, there is support from the Erie County Historical Society, the Erie Art Museum, G.Y. Productions, Imaginary Photography and Sandy Anderson from Girard Township.

Local businesses like Erie Beer and Lakeshore Rentals are donating various supplies.

Bartosek, as many other community members agree with, believes this is a cause well worth rallying behind.

"Well, we're raising money essentially to help the ECHS fund the building of a scaled down replica of the bridge, using salvaged timbers of the actual bridge itself. They'll be using it as a walkway on their Battles House property in Girard. That being said, the bridge meant so much to so many people and this is a chance to "fight back" against the arsonists and also help us build something to not only commemorate the bridge but a place that folks can actualy visit and once again see the bridge. Some people are going to understand our passion for this project and some aren't," he said.

All money from the event will go to this project, including maintainence of an interactive website totally devoted to the bridge's history.

However, because of building costs, there is a chance "Rock the Bridge!" may be halted.

"Well, this project started as an idea in my head to get some bands together in a local bar and have a concert. However, over the course of time the event vision grew and grew until it got to where it is now: an outdoor event in which we expect 500-700 people to attend," Bartosek stated.

"That being said, preparing for an event like this brings with it many costs, e.g. event insurance, various rentals, etc. We need local sponsorship from businesses in the area to help by giving us a tax deductable, monetary donation. In exchange for these donations, the business gets mention/ad space in our various promotional materials and campaigns. So far, non of the businesses we've approached or any others have donated. We have until May 1st to meet our bottom line as far sponsorship is concerned or the event will not take place," he warned.

For any business that would like to help sponsor "Rock the Bridge!" a cause that would benefit the community immensely and help refurbish a priceless asset that has been lost to a senseless act, email Ryan Bartosek at ryan_bartosek@yahoo.com

The event is supposed to run from 1 to 10 p.m. on the 30th, with $5 admission and food and drinks available for purchase. Children under 12 will be admitted for free. To volunteer for the event- whether working the actual day or providing support- email Eric Laughrey at pumpkinmoon777@gmail.com, or use one of the Facebook/Myspace accounts.